MyVisionTest News Archive

When she began to lose her sight and later was declared legally blind, Buckingham thought her days of being athletic were over.

The Okemos woman was one of 20 blind or visually impaired children and adults who participated in Saturday's second annual Camp T. Tandem Cycling Weekend at the Greenville Area Community Center and on the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail.

"Bike riding was something I used to really enjoy. Now I can do it again," said Buckingham with a smile filling her face. "I can exercise, I can get outdoors, I'm excited. There are a lot of us here that are really enthused."

Her husband, Jim, and the other sighted team captains received instruction from another husband-wife team, Nino and Marie Pacini of Detroit, who are amateur bicycle racers. They both are also legally blind.

"Nino and I ride a number of marathons each year and wanted to be able to share the opportunity with other blind or visually impaired," Marie said. "Just because you are blind doesn't mean your life is over. There are downhill and cross country skiing competitions, kayaking and cycling races all for blind participants. You can be as active as you want to be."